THE dawning of a new year is cause for celebration. You made it through Christmas with the in-laws after all.

But while raising a glass of bubbly has become commonplace, have you ever chucked a chair out the window or chatted to a cat to see in the New Year?

If you thought crossing arms and singing Auld Lang Syne when it strikes 12am on January 1 was a bit odd, think again.

Social networking site Badoo conducted a survey for its users to vote what are the world's strangest and funniest New Year's traditions. It didn't disappoint.

What's that, boy? True happiness? Talking to animals is just one of the weirdest New Year traditions from around the world. Source: ThinkStock

THE dawning of a new year is cause for celebration. You made it through Christmas with the in-laws after all.

But while raising a glass of bubbly has become commonplace, have you ever chucked a chair out the window or chatted to a cat to see in the New Year?If you thought crossing arms and singing Auld Lang Syne when it strikes 12am on January 1 was a bit odd, think again.Social networking site Badoo conducted a survey for its users to vote what are the world's strangest and funniest New Year's traditions. It didn't disappoint.In the strange stakes Chile took top honours with spending the night in a cemetery in the company of dead loved ones.

Happy New Year! Residents of Talca in Chile spend the night in a cemetery to celebrate. Source: ThinkStock

However, in Romania, it's tradition to try to talk to animals. If they don't speak back you will find true happiness. No surprise, this has quite a high success rate and budgies are nowhere to be seen.

If you’re in Spain, Italy or Mexico get your red undies on as they’re a sign of good luck Source: ThinkStock

In Johannesburg, South Africa, people are inclined to throw furniture out of a window as a metaphor of out with the old and in with the new, while in Ireland bread is hit against walls to ward off evil spirits.

Don’t forget your tree. Those in Siberia jump into a frozen lake to see in the New Year. Source: ThinkStock

But the weirdness doesn't stop at batting baps against walls. In Peru neighbours box to settle longstanding quarrels; in Thailand a giant three-day water fight begins; and in Siberia people jump into a frozen lake while holding a tree.We'll stick to fireworks, thanks.

Soaking up the festivities with Thailand’s New Year mass water fight Source: Supplied

Top 5 strangest customs:1. Spending the night in a cemetery in the company of dead loved ones (Talca, Chile)2. Attempting to hear animals speaking, in the hopes of finding true happiness (Romania)3. Striking the walls with bread to ward off evil spirits (Ireland)4. Throwing furniture out the window (Johannesburg, South Africa)5. Jumping into a frozen lake while carrying a tree trunk (Siberia, Russia)Top 5 funniest customs:1. A collective kissing session on a square (Venice, Italy)2. Wearing red underwear, a symbol of good luck (Spain, Italy and Mexico)3. Having a giant water fight over the course of three days (Thailand)4. Throwing furniture out the window (Johannesburg, South Africa)5. Boxing with neighbours to settle longstanding quarrels_________________Il n’y a point de génie sans un grain de folie